UAE FA carries on hunt for football manager after Reinaldo Rueda talks break down

Colombian emerged as principal candidate to replace Mahdi Ali, but problem arose regarding when he could commence role, writes John McAuley.

Reinaldo Rueda is out of the reckoning for the position of UAE manager. Luis Acosta / AFP

The UAE Football Association is investigating other options for the vacant national team job after its move for Reinaldo Rueda broke down.

The 60-year-old Colombian had emerged as the principal candidate to replace Mahdi Ali and was willing to accept the offer of a two-year contract worth US$3.5 million (Dh12.85m). However, a problem arose regarding when he could commence the role.

Rueda, who guided Honduras and Ecuador to the 2010 World Cup and 2014 World Cup respectively, is manager of Atletico Nacional in his homeland and was initially reluctant to leave before June.

The Copa Libertadores champions have a number of key matches between now and then, with Rueda determined to fulfill his duties for those. His contract with the club runs until late next year.

Yet, with the UAE resuming their qualification bid for next year’s World Cup against Thailand on June 13, the FA wanted Rueda in place as soon as possible. Sources close to the deal confirmed Rueda had offered to resign from his current post at Atletico, but the club rejected that.

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Hunt for new UAE football manager

■ Initial shortlist: Zaccheroni, Capello, Bauza, Van Gaal, Scolari

■ Atletico Nacional on Reinaldo Rueda: 'He is a man of his word'

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The latest development leaves the FA searching for an alternative with less than six weeks to go until the qualifier in Bangkok. Argentine Gabriel Calderon, the former Baniyas and Al Wasl manager, has been mooted as a possible candidate, as has former Japan national team manager Alberto Zaccheroni. The Italian guided the continental heavyweights to the Asian Cup crown in 2011.

With three matches remaining, the UAE sit fourth in Group B in the final stage of qualification for next summer’s World Cup, seven points off an automatic spot. Attempting to make the tournament for only a second time in their history, they could still reach Russia if they finish third in the standings – via the play-offs. Australia occupy that position, four points ahead of the UAE.

After Thailand on June 13, the UAE host group leaders Saudi Arabia on August 31 before they face Iraq in Iran six days later.​

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